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The Last Of Our Sonoma Eats

June 11, 2013 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Prior to traveling to Sonoma, I had little expectation of anything other than drinking wine with family and friends. I didn’t plan this trip to a tee like I typically would. Heck, my mom and I even forgot about the whole rental car thing until the day before. We made reservations at Cafe La Haye and Foreign Cinema and that was the extent of our planning. And it all worked out. I should make note of that.

The day of the wedding, we walked through Sonoma Square and stumbled upon a trail and a few wineries to visit later in the day. By the time we cleaned up, we were ready for another meal. LaSalette was another restaurant that was recommended to us, so we headed that way. We had a wonderful and wonderfully light lunch of mussels, cucumber gazpacho, asparagus, and a few tapas (not pictured). In addition to having tasty fare, LaSalette was off the beaten path and had a bustling lunch crowd. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again.

Fast forward to after the wedding, I woke up fairly well rested. It came in awfully handy to have my mom on call to pick me up from the wedding when I was at the point of feeling done. And because of that, we were able to check out of the hotel early and get a nice breakfast before the hour trek to San Fran.

We had a wayyyy heavier than anticipated breakfast at Community Cafe, where a few friends had eaten the day before. Truffled eggs with asparagus, mushrooms, and cheese on top of a hearty slice of bread and a NY strip breakfast burrito. Holy cow. We were in a total food coma until we arrived in San Fran, when we just so happened to be ready for our next meal.

Cafe La Haye

June 8, 2013 by Kristin 1 Comment

After a long day of wine tasting, my mom picked me up and we headed to dinner at Cafe La Haye. We parked smack dab in the center of Sonoma Square and walked only a block or so before arriving at this super quaint spot. Crisp white linens and subway tile laced with local art – we were into it even before menus arrived.

The restaurant was described to us as “REAL farm to table, fantastic food!” and it met every expectation that came from that description. My mom and I were both drawn to the seafood heavy specials board and ordered solely from that list. Seared dayboat scallop with corn ravioli and creamed spinach, grilled ahi tuna with sauce gribiche, frisee, artichoke and peppers, and Alaskan halibut with smashed yukon potatoes and lacinato kale.

Every dish we had was pretty spectacular, but my mom and I both agreed that the scallop starter took the prize. There’s something about creamed spinach that we’re both very much drawn to. And if you mix a favorite with carb and seafood, well you’ve got yourself a winner in the Vrana book.

We were both so happy with our first meal in Sonoma and highly recommend this place to future visitors. Another trip to Sonoma is already on my list and dinner at Cafe La Haye will be another must as well.

Sonoma To Napa And Back

June 7, 2013 by Kristin Leave a Comment

After waking up bright and entirely too early, I took my time getting ready and headed over to Ram’s Gate Winery to meet up with the wedding crew for a tasting. And as soon as everyone walked up, it was like no time had passed. There were hugs all around and, from that point forward, we’d look at each other through 20-year old eyes.

We spent most of our time at Ram’s Gate introducing ourselves to Ryan and Jen’s family, all the while taking in the beyond beautiful scenery. And afterwards, our tipsy selves headed outside to ~~do ballet~~ walk amongst the grapes and ooh and ahh.

From there, I sort of unknowingly signed up for a mini adventure to Napa. The Shea’s were able to convince the folks at Far Niente to add me to their group through the use of accents, role playing, and overall trickery. Their creativity paid off because this tour was one of the most entertainingly wonderful touristy things I’ve ever experienced.

And before we knew it, the only things we’d consumed since breakfast were wine and cheese. It could have been a problem, but my mom swooped me up on the way to our dinner reservations and everything was A-Ok!

Heading To Sonoma

June 5, 2013 by Kristin Leave a Comment

So it’s that time. Ryan, my brother from another mother (notice the ginger locks), is getting hitched. He and Jen are getting married in Sonoma and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m heading out there for a Wednesday to Sunday trip and taking my mom along for the culinary ride. The greatest of friends, my mama, wine, food, food, wine. Srlsy.

Other than wedding shenanigans, I have two restaurants on the books: Cafe La Haye and Foreign Cinema. Cafe La Haye came highly recommended through John Baydale, the president of Uchi Restaurants (thanks again for that one, Molly!!).

And Foreign Cinema was unanimously suggested by three of my ultimate foodie friends that frequent the San Fran area.

I cannot, cannot wait for this adventure to begin. See you soon, Ryan & Jen!